2015 Dodge Challenger

A marriage of then and now.

Does this car look familiar? Of course it does, especially if you remember those thrilling days of yesteryear, 1970–’71, when the Challenger challenged the Mustang, the Camaro, the Firebird, and others in the pony-car sweepstakes with Hemi muscle and snappy styling.

Fast forward some 45 years and the latter-day Challenger has been extensively freshened. The 2015 model retains its retro roots, albeit with styling reminiscent of the 1971 model, rather than 1970, according to the manufacturer. The Challenger’s second year was its high-water mark for performance, and final year with the option of 426 Hemi V-8 power.

The styling distinctions between 1970 and ’71 models were subtle, and that’s true of this update. For 2015, the front and rear fascias have been redesigned. Other changes include a thinner split-grille slot, a deeper air dam, an LED halo surrounding the quad headlights, a bigger power bulge for the new hood, and a new Shaker hood option. LED taillights adorn the revised stern.

But as with the transition from 1970 to ’71, the 2015 profile is essentially the same as the 2014’s. With the exception of a new cast-aluminum differential cover and electric power steering, the chassis is also little changed for 2015. Dodge is channeling its muscle-car past by adding “high impact heritage hues” to the 2015 Challenger’s color palette—including B5 Blue, Tor Red, and Sublime, an incandescent green that is not recommended for introverts. There are also seven stripe options—“heritage inspired,” of course.

While the exterior maintains its cosmetic ties to the early ’70s, the all-new interior is a blend of retro design and contemporary technology. Highlights under this heading include a new seven-inch TFT cluster between the tach and speedo with programmable information via Dodge’s Performance Pages feature; a new 8.4-inch touch-screen option with Chrysler’s Uconnect telematics; driver-selectable operating modes; and a new rear-view camera. An S3 card slot, auxiliary audio input, and USB outlet are integrated into a new media hub housed in the center armrest. Need we point out that not even Gene Roddenberry had imagined these interior features in 1971?

The front seats have been redesigned, with upholstery choices ranging from cloth to Nappa leather, and the option of heating and cooling for leather-clad perches. There’s also a performance-seat option with heftier thigh and torso bolstering. Based off the larger Dodge Charger sedan, the 2015 Challenger still offers more rear-seat legroom than its Mustang and Camaro rivals, although the rear center position is best suited to severe interrogations.

Plenty of Ponies

Pony cars have always been about performance, and there’s no shortage of hustle here. Engine choices are familiar: Chrysler’s 305-hp, 3.6-liter V-6, and 5.7- and 6.4-liter Hemi V-8s. Output for the 5.7-liter Hemi ranges up to 375 horses and 410 lb-ft of torque in the Challenger R/T when the intake air is enhanced by the optional Shaker hood and the engine is paired with a Tremec six-speed manual transmission. That package includes a low-restriction exhaust system, emitting a visceral rumble straight from Woodward Avenue, circa 1971.

The 6.4-liter Hemi generates 470 horsepower and 470 lb-ft, and both Hemis will include the option of Chrysler’s TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic (standard with the V-6), replete with paddle shifters and a new electronic shift feature.

Dodge has also introduced a new line of Scat Pack accessories from Mopar that includes 5.7-liter engine hardware, performance suspension parts, 20 x 9-inch forged-aluminum wheels, and Brembo brakes, plus a Scat Pack appearance package with a 276-watt audio system and animated start-up screen.

The 2015 Challenger will reach showrooms this fall, with some of the high-performance elements due later in the year.

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